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A Scottish businessman has been sentenced to four years in jail for failing to pay VAT on computer chips he imported from EC countries, sold to UK customers with VAT included and then failed to pass the tax onto the Revenue.

Michael George Voudouri, 36, from Bridge of Allan, Stirling evaded £3m in VAT payments. Trading as Computer Technics (GB) Ltd, Cortek Management and Fairwood Trading Ltd he imported processors from Denmark, Ireland and Luxembourg which were sold to him without VAT in accordance with EC regulations. He then sold the chips on, adding 17.5 per cent VAT, but he never paid the tax.

He used the proceeds to maintain a lavish lifestyle with a £1m house in Bridge of Allan and a string of luxury cars.

Voudouri was sentenced to four years in the High Court Glasgow yesterday. Judge Carloway said Voudouri would have got a six-year sentence if he had not pleaded guilty.

Gordon Miller, head of customs investigations in Scotland, said: "This highlights Customs' commitment to pursuing criminals who rob honest taxpayers of funding for public services to line their own pockets.

"From day one, Customs investigators have actively pursued and restrained assets obtained from the proceeds of this crime. We are continuing to pursue confiscation through the courts, as we aim to ensure criminals do not profit from their crimes." ®